Indians with the Most Sixes in ODI World Cup

The ICC Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, attracting the best talent from around the globe. 

Over the years, Indian cricketers have left their mark on the tournament with memorable performances, including some remarkable displays of power-hitting. 

In this article, we will explore five Indian cricketers who have hit the most sixes in ODI World Cup history.

Sachin Tendulkar – 27

Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, also holds the record for the most sixes by an Indian in World Cup history. Over the course of six World Cup tournaments from 1992 to 2011, Tendulkar smashed a total of 27 sixes. His ability to combine finesse with brute force made him a complete batsman. 

Tendulkar’s memorable innings, including his 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup, showcased his exceptional ability to clear the boundaries with ease. Tendulkar amassed a record-breaking 2,278 runs in World Cups, including six centuries, the most by any player in the tournament’s history. His incredible consistency and ability to adapt to different conditions made him a vital cog in India’s campaigns.

Sourav Ganguly – 25

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain who played a significant role in shaping India’s aggressive brand of cricket, rounds off this list. Ganguly was known for his fearless approach, and he struck 25 sixes during his four World Cup appearances (1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011). 

His contributions at the top of the order, including partnerships with Sachin Tendulkar, were instrumental in India’s success in the early 2000s.

Rohit Sharma – 23

Rohit Sharma, known for his elegant stroke play and the ability to hit long sixes effortlessly, has emerged as one of the modern greats in ODI cricket. He occupies the third spot on this list, having smashed 23 sixes across two World Cup tournaments (2015, and 2019). 

Rohit’s incredible knack for scoring big centuries, combined with his proficiency in clearing the boundary, makes him a standout performer.

Virender Sehwag – 18

Virender Sehwag, the explosive Indian opener, left an indelible mark on ODI World Cup history with his fearless and aggressive batting. In the four World Cup tournaments he participated in (2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015), Sehwag amassed a total of 1,364 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 104. In 22 appearances for team India, Sehwag has hit 18 sixes in the World Cup. 

Known for his ability to decimate any bowling attack, Sehwag’s iconic 175 against Bangladesh in the 2011 World Cup exemplified his audacious style. His fearless approach, penchant for big innings, and audacious strokeplay made him a key figure in India’s ODI campaigns, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the tournament.

MS Dhoni – 15

MS Dhoni, the former captain and iconic finisher for India, is fourth on the list of Indians with the most sixes in ODI World Cups. Dhoni’s composed yet explosive batting style has seen him hit 34 sixes during his World Cup campaigns (2011, 2015, and 2019). His iconic match-winning six in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka will forever be etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide. 

With India needing four runs to win against Sri Lanka, Dhoni, the calm and composed captain, took centre stage. In a moment of incredible pressure, he lofted a delivery from Nuwan Kulasekara into the Mumbai night sky, the ball sailing over the boundary ropes for a monumental six. This iconic shot sealed India’s victory, ending a 28-year-long World Cup drought and sparking jubilant celebrations across the nation. Dhoni’s six was not just a match-winning stroke; it was a symbol of leadership and the fulfillment of a cricketing dream.